Uncovering what is already there
Pat Jikyo GeorgeNovember 2nd 2013

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The Gateless Gate, Case 9
Daitsu Chisho Buddha

The Main Case

Once a monk earnestly asked Priest Jo of Koyo, "Daitsu Chisho Buddha sat in the mediation hall for ten kalpas, but the dharma of the buddha did not manifest itself and he could not attain Buddhahood. Why was this?
Jo replied, "Your question is reasonable indeed."
The monk said again, "He sat in zazen in the meditation hall, why did he not attain Buddhahood?"
Jo replied, "Because he is a non-attained buddha."

Commentary

I approve the old barbarians realization, but I don't approve his understanding. If an ordinary person realizes it, he is a sage. If a sage understands it she is an ordinary person.

Verse

Better than knowing the body is knowing the mind in peace.
When the mind is realized, the body is no longer anxious.
When body and mind are fully realized, the sage declines to become special.

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